For many globally mobile families and investors, a Plan B residency is no longer a luxury — it is a strategic necessity. Contrary to popular belief, obtaining legal residency abroad does not require million-dollar investments or elite “golden visa” programs.

In 2026, more than a dozen countries offer residency rights through property investment starting as low as $30,000, with several pathways below $150,000. These programs combine real estate ownership, residency security, and — in some cases — future citizenship options.

At Citizenship Network, we track verified, legally established residency-by-investment programs worldwide. Below is our curated, fact-based guide to the most affordable real estate-linked residency options globally in 2026.

Why Low-Cost Property Residency Programs Matter

Affordable residency-by-investment programs are especially attractive for:

• Families seeking geographic diversification

• Entrepreneurs needing visa flexibility

• Retirees planning international relocation

• Investors hedging geopolitical or currency risk

Unlike citizenship programs, these options preserve capital, often allow minimal physical presence, and provide a legal foothold abroad.

🇨🇷 Costa Rica – Investor Residency from $150,000

Costa Rica remains one of Latin America’s most established investor residency jurisdictions.

Key Features

• Minimum investment: USD 150,000

• Eligible assets: Residential property, land, farmland, vehicles, boats, business assets

• Alternative: Forestry projects from USD 100,000 (with environmental approval)

Residency Structure

• Initial 2-year temporary residency, renewable

• No physical presence requirement during temporary stage

Permanent Residency & Citizenship

• Permanent residency after 3 years with minimum 180 days/year presence

• Citizenship possible after 7 years, with Spanish and civic knowledge exams

Family Inclusion

• Spouse, parents, and children under 24 eligible

Best for: Lifestyle relocation, retirees, long-term Latin American settlement

🇬🇪 Georgia – Investor Residency from $150,000 (2026 Threshold)

Georgia bridges Europe and Asia and has become a regional hub for entrepreneurs.

Key Features

• Real estate investment: USD 150,000 (from 2026)

• Agricultural land excluded

Residency Structure

• 1-year renewable permit

• Investment must be maintained

Permanent Residency & Citizenship

• Permanent residency after 6 years

• Citizenship after 10 years, Georgian language interview required

• Dual citizenship allowed

Family Inclusion

• Spouse and children under 18

Best for: Entrepreneurs seeking Eurasian access and low bureaucracy

🇲🇸 Montserrat – Immediate Permanent Residency from $148,000

Montserrat offers one of the rare instant permanent residency options under $150,000.

Key Features

• Investment: USD 148,000 (real estate, deposit, or bonds)

• British Overseas Territory

Residency Structure

• Immediate permanent residency

• No physical presence requirement

• Investment maintained for 5 years

Citizenship

• No citizenship pathway via this program

Family Inclusion

• Dependents permitted

Bonus: Visa-free access to the UK, Schengen Area, and Canada

🇧🇭 Bahrain – Property Residency from $133,000

Bahrain currently offers the lowest property threshold in the GCC.

Key Features

• Minimum property value: USD 132,500

• Proof of monthly income required

Residency Structure

• 2-, 5-, or 10-year renewable permits

• No physical presence requirement

Citizenship

• No guaranteed pathway

• Naturalization is discretionary and rare

Family Inclusion

• Dependents eligible

Best for: Gulf exposure without UAE-level costs

🇧🇷 Brazil – Investor Residency from $126,000 (VIPER)

Brazil’s VIPER program offers a fast citizenship timeline.

Key Features

• North & Northeast: USD 126,000

• Other regions: USD 185,000

Residency Structure

• Conditional permanent residency

• Minimum 30 days/year presence required

Citizenship

• Possible after 4 years

• Dual citizenship allowed

Family Inclusion

• Spouse, parents, children under 24

🇨🇴 Colombia – Investor Residency from $110,000

Colombia provides flexible investment thresholds and strong family inclusion.

Key Features

• Real estate: USD 110,000

• Business option: USD 40,000

Residency Structure

• 3-year renewable M-visa

• Minimal physical presence required

Citizenship

• Permanent residency after 5 years

• Citizenship after 10 years

• Dual citizenship allowed

🇬🇹 Guatemala – Residency from $100,000

Guatemala offers one of Central America’s fastest PR routes.

Key Features

• USD 100,000 in property, bonds, or business

Residency Structure

• Temporary residency → PR in 2 years

Citizenship

• After 5 years of permanent residency

• Spanish and cultural knowledge required

🇰🇭 Cambodia – M2H Visa from $100,000

A long-term visa rather than formal PR.

Key Features

• USD 100,000 investment

• 10-year renewable visa

Citizenship

• Possible after 5 years

• Dual citizenship not permitted

🇨🇻 Cape Verde – Permanent Residency from $94,000

Key Features

• USD 94,000 in low-GDP regions

• Immediate permanent residency

Citizenship

• Possible after 5 years of habitual residence

🇱🇰 Sri Lanka – Investor Visas from $75,000

Key Features

• Suburban condo investments from USD 75,000

• No physical presence requirement

Citizenship

• Limited and category-specific

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan – Residency from $58,800

Key Features

• USD 58,800 property or bank deposit

Citizenship

• After 5 years

• No dual citizenship

🇪🇬 Egypt – Residency from $50,000

Key Features

• USD 50,000 property or bank deposit

• Renewable long-term residency only

Citizenship

• Not included

🇪🇨 Ecuador – Residency from $48,200

Key Features

• Dollarized economy

• One of the cheapest globally

Citizenship

• After 4 years

• Dual citizenship allowed

🇳🇮 Nicaragua – Permanent Residency from $30,000

Key Features

• Lowest threshold worldwide

• Immediate permanent residency

Citizenship

• After 2 years

• No dual citizenship

Final Thoughts from Citizenship Network

Low-cost property residency programs offer legal security, flexibility, and asset diversification — without the financial burden of traditional golden visas.

However, program rules change frequently, and success depends on:

• Asset structuring

• Family planning

• Tax and exit considerations

• Long-term citizenship goals

At Citizenship Network, we provide independent, jurisdiction-specific analysis and strategic guidance to ensure your residency investment aligns with your global objectives.

👉 Contact Citizenship Network for a confidential consultation on affordable residency and property-based migration strategies for 2026 and beyond.